IML

1. 500 East Capitol Avenue | P.O. Box 5180 | Springfield, IL 62705 | Ph: 217.525.1220 | Fx: 217.525.7438 | iml.org
March 17, 2023
Legislation Proposed to Establish
Statewide Building Codes
Local governments have a responsibility to help protect the health, safety and welfare
of residents by maintaining the integrity of structures through building codes. Under
current law, all municipalities have the authority to adopt their own building codes.
By establishing statewide minimum requirements for the construction of commercial
buildings, this legislation limits the authority of each of the 1,295 cities, villages and
towns in Illinois to determine building codes at their local level.
The Issue:
SB 2368 would establish statewide minimum requirements for the construction of commercial buildings, through
the forced adoption of hundreds or thousands of pages of new regulations. This legislation is an overstep on local
control and it preempts home rule authority. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, municipal governments
should continue to have the ability to determine their own local building codes.
This legislation also places an unfunded mandate on local governments to implement and enforce new building
codes although they may not have the resources to properly fund additional certifications for staff or the hiring of
personnel. The establishment of statewide building codes would divert funding away from other important services
for residents, and more stringent codes could make it more difficult for municipalities to attract economic
development and retain small businesses.
IML Solution:
IML defends the authority of both home rule and non-home rule municipalities and opposes any and all legislative
actions aimed to limit local control. IML respectfully asks members of the General Assembly to vote NO on SB
2368.
SB 2368 WOULD ESTABLISH STATEWIDE BUILDING CODES THAT WOULD BE
BURDENSOME TO MUNICIPALITIES.
Bill Number:
SB 2368
Sponsor:
Sen. Koehler
(D-46)
IML Position:
Oppose